Local Restaurant Inspections for Holly Springs, Apex and Fuquay-Varina (December 16th through December 31st)
Wake County health inspectors visited and inspected a total of 13 restaurants in Holly Springs (4), Apex (6) and Fuquay-Varina (3).
Rules Governing the Sanitation of Food Service Establishments
Rule (15A NCAC 18A .2662 GRADING)
(a) The grading of food establishments is based on a system of scoring. A food establishment that earns a score of at least:
(1) 90 percent shall receive a grade A;
(2) 80 percent and less than 90 percent shall receive a grade B;
(3) 70 percent and less than 80 percent shall receive a grade C.
Permits shall be immediately revoked in accordance with G.S. 130A-23(d) for food establishments receiving a score of less than 70 percent.
Holly Springs, NC, December 31, 2025
NEW: “B” on the lookout: Wake County (NC) Restaurants Receiving a Health Inspection Report Grade of “B” or Lower (12/15 -12/31) (link)
Summary Inspection Scores.
Note: Health inspector’s observations and comments are located below the Summary Inspection Scores section.
HOLLY SPRINGS
AMC Holly Springs 9 | Inspection Date: 12/18/2025 | Score/Grade: 98 - A
Aye! Toro | Inspection Date: 12/16/2025 | Score/Grade: 99.50 - A
Bojangle’s #55 | Inspection Date: 12/18/2025 | Score/Grade: 98.50 - A
Eggs Up Grill #31 | Inspection Date: 12/16/2025 | Score/Grade: 99 - A
APEX
Basil N Spice | Inspection Date: 12/22/2025 | Score/Grade: 96 - A
Firehouse Subs | Inspection Date: 12/16/2025 | Score/Grade: 98.50 - A
McAlister’s Deli #100958 | Inspection Date: 12/30/2025 | Score/Grade: 96 - A
Michelangelo’s Pizza | Inspection Date: 12/23/2025 | Score/Grade: 94.50 - A
Quality Inn & Suites (Breakfast) | Inspection Date: 12/31/2025 | Score/Grade: 100 - A
SpringHill Suites Kitchen | Inspection Date: 12/31/2025 | Score/Grade: 100 - A
FUQUAY-VARINA
Fiesta Time Mexican Restaurant | Inspection Date: 12/16/2025 | Score/Grade: 97.50 - A
Milano’s Pizza | Inspection Date: 12/30/2025 | Score/Grade: 99 - A
Sobol Acai Bowls & Smoothies | Inspection Date: 12/30/2025 | Score/Grade: 100 - A
Inspection Observations and Corrective Actions.
HOLLY SPRINGS
AMC HOLLY SPRINGS 9
320 GRAND HILL PL, HOLLY SPRINGS/NC/27540
Inspection Date: 12/18/2025
Score/Grade: 98 @ A
Comments & Observations
Summary Description: Toxic substances properly identified stored & used
Item No: 28
Points Subtracted: 1
Comments:
7-201.11; Priority; Spray bottle without label. Poisonous or toxic materials shall be stored so they cannot contaminate food, equipment, utensils, etc. Corrected During Inspection - Dumped at time of inspection.
Summary Description: Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips
Item No: 48
Points Subtracted: 0.50
Comments:
4-501.14 Warewashing Equipment, Cleaning Frequency (C) FRP backsplash at dishwasher has black residue build-up on left side.
Summary Description: Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Item No: 55
Points Subtracted: 0.50
Comments:
6-501.114 Unused popcorn maker with container of drink syrup on unit stored in kitchen. Discard items and litter stored on the premises as they are not necessary to operation and maintenance. Note: Maker and syrup container are very soiled.
AYE! TORO
303 MATTHEWS DR, HOLLY SPRINGS/NC/27540
Inspection Date: 12/16/2025
Score/Grade: 99.50 @ A
Comments & Observations
Summary Description: Utensils, equipment & linens: properly stored, dried & handled
Item No: 44
Points Subtracted: 0.50
Comments:
4-901.11(A) Observed multiple clean inverted steel food containers stacked wet. After cleaning and sanitizing, equipment and utensils shall be air-dried. Completely air dry these items before stacking them.
BOJANGLE’S #55
151 COLLINS CROSSING RD, HOLLY SPRINGS/NC/27540
Inspection Date: 12/18/2025
Score/Grade: 98.50 @ A
Comments & Observations
Summary Description: Proper cold holding temperatures
Item No: 22
Points Subtracted: 1.50
Comments:
3-501.16(A)(2) Cole slaw in reach in cooler by drive thru is over 41F. Maintain TCS foods in cold holding at 41F or less. -P Food voluntarily disposed of.
Summary Description: Equipment, food & non-food contact surfaces approved, cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Item No: 47
Points Subtracted: 0
Comments:
4-501.11 Small reach in cooler by drive thru at 57F. Maintain equipment in good repair. Points taken on violation 22. Repair order placed.
EGGS UP GRILL #31
4216 LASSITER ROAD, HOLLY SPRINGS/NC/27540
Inspection Date: 12/16/2025
Score/Grade: 99 @ A
Comments & Observations
Summary Description: Handwashing sinks supplied & accessible
Item No: 10
Points Subtracted: 1
Comments:
6-301.12 No papertowels at handwash sink in front area. Red light blinking. (Pf) Each handwashing sink or group of adjacent handwashing sinks shall be provided with disposable towels, a heated-air hand drying device, or a hand drying device that employs an air-knife system that delivers hi velocity air at room temperature. Papertowels added.
APEX
BASIL N SPICE
8753 HOLLY SPRINGS RD, APEX/NC/27539
Inspection Date: 12/22/2025
Score/Grade: 96 @ A
Comments & Observations
Summary Description: Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Item No: 16
Points Subtracted: 0
Comments: 4-601.11(A)- Noted can opener blade soiled during time of inspection. Equipment food contact surfaces and utensils shall be clean to sight and touch. CDI- blade re-clean during time of inspection.
Summary Description: Proper date marking & disposition
Item No: 23
Points Subtracted: 1.50
Comments:
3-501.18 Ready-To-Eat Time / Temperature Control for Safety Food, Disposition (P)- Noted a container of paneer dated for 12/09 and a container of fried veggies dated for 12/10 in the walk in cooler and prep cooler. Discard the food requiring date labels once time/temperature window has expired, if it is not been labeled, or if the label is incorrect. CDI- Items discarded. 3-501.17 Ready-To-Eat Time / Temperature Control for Safety Food, Date Marking (Pf)- Noted containers of onion sauce and a container of samosa missing date marking labels in the walk in cooler unit. Date mark/label all TCS foods that are ready-to-eat once opened or prepared and held more than 24hrs. CDI- items relabeled.
Summary Description: Toxic substances properly identified stored & used
Item No: 28
Points Subtracted: 0
Comments:
7-204.11 Sanitizers, Criteria - Chemicals (P)- Noted Quat dispensing above 400 ppm at the 3 compartment sink (test strips turned blue). Discussed having sanitizer solution re-calibrated between 200-400 ppm. Education provided on manually adjusting quat sanitizer until sanitizer properly recalibrated.
Summary Description: Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Item No: 39
Points Subtracted: 2
Comments:
3-305.11 - Noted a container of fried tomatoes stored on the floor in the walk in cooler. Also noted bulk containers of onion sauces and a container of potatoes stored on the floor near the back of the prep kitchen. Food containers stored on floor of walk in cooler. Store food in a clean, dry location, not exposed to contamination. Keep at least 6 inches above the floor. This is repeat from the last inspection. Discuss on re-organizing storage space to ensure food items are kept off the floor.
Summary Description: Single-use & single-service articles: properly stored & used
Item No: 45
Points Subtracted: 0.50
Comments:
4-903.11(A)(C) - Noted cases of To-go containers were stored on the floor near the back of the prep kitchen. Store single-use and single-service articles in a clean, dry location; where they are not exposed to splash, dust, or other contamination; and at least 6 inches above the floor.
FIREHOUSE SUBS
1047 BEAVER CREEK COMMONS DR, APEX/NC/27502
Inspection Date: 12/16/2025
Score/Grade: 98.50 @ A
Comments & Observations
Summary Description: Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Item No: 16
Points Subtracted: 0
Comments:
4-501.114 (C); Priority: Quat sanitizer in three compartment sink measured 67F. A quaternary ammonium compound solution shall have a minimum temperature of 75F. CDI- temperature of solution was adjusted. No points taken.
Summary Description: Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Item No: 41
Points Subtracted: 0.50
Comments:
3-304.14 (E); Core; Sanitizer bucket for wet wiping cloths stored above plastic wrap and other equipment. Store sanitizer containers used for wet wiping cloths off the floor and to prevent contamination of food, equipment, and utensils. CDI- bucket moved to lower shelf.
Summary Description: Equipment, food & non-food contact surfaces approved, cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Item No: 47
Points Subtracted: 1
Comments:
4-202.11; Priority Foundation; A plastic container lid was observed cracked in two places. Multi-use food-contact surfaces shall be smooth, free of cracks, chips, inclusions, pits, and similar imperfections. These can no longer be effectively cleaned/sanitized. CDI - lid was discarded. Full point taken for repeat violations. 4-501.11; Core; Tall reach-in cooler gasket is torn and being held on with duct tape. Equipment shall be kept in good repair so that it is easily cleanable. Gasket replacement is still pending.
Summary Description: Garbage & refuse properly disposed; facilities maintained
Item No: 54
Points Subtracted: 0
Comments:
5-501.113 (B); 5-501.111; Recycling bin is missing lids. Exterior is bent, damaged and rusting. Keep outside receptacles/waste containers covered with tight-fitting lids or doors. Keep storage areas and bins for waste in good repair. Contact waste contractor or landlord for replacement. No point taken.
MCALISTER’S DELI #100958
1061 PINE PLAZA DR, APEX/NC/27523
Inspection Date: 12/30/2025
Score/Grade: 96 @ A
Comments & Observations
Summary Description: Proper cold holding temperatures
Item No: 22
Points Subtracted: 3
Comments:
3-501.16 (A) (2) and (B) Time / Temperature Control for Safety Food, Hot and Cold Holding (P) Several food items in the prep unit were held above 41F (SEE TEMPERATURE CHART). Maintain TCS foods in cold holding at 41F or less. The PIC voluntarily discarded the food items. EHS recommends having unit inspected for possible repair due to ongoing issues with cold holding.***CORRECTED DURING INSEPCTION (CDI)REPEAT VIOLATION
Summary Description: Equipment, food & non-food contact surfaces approved, cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Item No: 47
Points Subtracted: 0
Comments:
4-501.11 Good Repair and Proper Adjustment - Equipment (C) Several plates are chipping along the edges. Equipment and utensils shall be maintained in good repair. PIC advised to inspect plates for crack, breaks, and chips.
Summary Description: Non-food contact surfaces clean
Item No: 49
Points Subtracted: 1
Comments:
4-602.13 Nonfood Contact Surfaces (C) The following items are soiled and shall be cleaned: all exterior and interior surfaces of food prep equipment, including but not limited to: top, side panels, under door handles, gaskets, and front exterior and interior of doors. Non food contact surfaces of equipment shall be cleaned frequently to preclude accumulation of soil residues. PIC advised to clean and increase cleaning frequency of these items.REPEAT VIOLATION
Summary Description: Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Item No: 55
Points Subtracted: 0
Comments:
6-201.15 Floor Covering, Mats and Duckboards 6-501.12 Cleaning, Frequency and Restrictions Employee in prep area uses cardboard as floor mat. Floors were excessively soiled with food debris. Walls at steam table area have food splatter stains. Mats and duckboards shall be removable and easily cleanable. Floors, walls, ceilings including the attachments such as soap, towel dispensers; light fixtures; and heat/ac vent covers shall be clean. Caution should be used to minimize food exposure.
MICHELANGELO’S PIZZA
928 US 64 HWY W, APEX/NC/27523
Inspection Date: 12/23/2025
Score/Grade: 94.50 @ A
Comments & Observations
Summary Description: Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Item No: 16
Points Subtracted: 1.50
Comments:
4-501.114 Maintain sanitizer at correct concentrations when being used to sanitize. -P There was no sanitizer residual when checked at the 3-compartment sink. The PIC stated that the sanitizer ran out and more is on order. EHS informed PIC to use a bleach solution as a back to the quaternary ammonia. EHS educated PIC and staff by demonstration on how to mix chlorinated bleach in the 3 compartment sink sanitizing basin to the required concentration. Solution was tested to the required concentration for chlorinated bleach.
Summary Description: Food properly labeled: original container
Item No: 37
Points Subtracted: 1
Comments:
3-302.12 Food Storage Containers Identified with Common Name of Food (C). The flour and sugar containers are not labeled. Label all dry food storage containers with the name of the contents. PIC advised. REPEAT VIOLATION
Summary Description: Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Item No: 39
Points Subtracted: 1
Comments:
3-305.11 Store food in a clean, dry location, not exposed to contamination. The following items are stored on the floor: several boxes of mozzarella cheese (walk in cooler floor), bag of granulated sugar (kitchen floor), and a box of tomato sauce (kitchen floor). Keep at least 6 inches above the floor. PIC advised.REPEAT VIOLATION
Summary Description: Non-food contact surfaces clean
Item No: 49
Points Subtracted: 0.50
Comments:
4-601.11(C ) Keep non food contact surfaces of equipment clean to avoid build up of dust, food residue or debris.4-602.13 Non food contact surfaces of equipment shall be cleaned frequently to preclude accumulation of soil residues. the following areas are soiled and shall be cleaned: pizza oven has heavy food debris build up, all sides and surfaces of equipment (food debris and dust build up), and lowboy (inside surfaces, gaskets, and under door handles). PIC advised. REPEAT VIOLATION
Summary Description: Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Item No: 51
Points Subtracted: 1
Comments:
5-205.15 (B) Leak pipe etc. not imminent threat Handwashing sink faucet set up leaks when water is turned on. Maintain a plumbing system in good repair. PIC advised.
Summary Description: Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Item No: 55
Points Subtracted: 0.50
Comments:
6-501.114 Maintaining Premises, Unnecessary Items and Litter (C) Remove unapproved, non-functioning upright freezer from back room.REPEAT VIOLATION
QUALITY INN AND SUITES (BREAKFAST AREA)
1400 E WILLIAMS ST, APEX/NC/27539
Inspection Date: 12/31/2025
Score/Grade: 100 @ A
Comments & Observations
No violations observed.
SPRINGHILL SUITES KITCHEN
1100 MARCO DR, APEX/NC/27502
Inspection Date: 12/31/2025
Score/Grade: 100 @ A
Comments & Observations
No violations observed.
FUQUAY-VARINA
FIESTA TIME MEXICAN RESTAURANT
1063 E BROAD ST, FUQUAY-VARINA/NC/27526
Inspection Date: 12/16/2025
Score/Grade: 97.50 @ A
Comments & Observations
Summary Description: Proper hot holding temperatures
Item No: 21
Points Subtracted: 1.50
Comments:
3-501.16(A)(1); Priority; Right side of steam well table holding foods at 100-109F. Maintain TCS foods in hot holding at 135F or above. Side of steam table adjusted during inspection. Hot holding foods in other side of steam well and hot holding cabinet at 135F or higher. Items checked after adjusting and temperatures at 120F and rising. Educated to check hot holding frequently to ensure steam table is on and holding at 135F, and to move items to stove top to rapid reheat.
Summary Description: Food properly labeled: original container
Item No: 37
Points Subtracted: 1
Comments:
3-302.12 Food Storage Containers Identified with Common Name of Food; Core; Sugar bin without label and squeeze bottle with wine without label. Foods removed from the original container shall be labeled with the common name of the food. Items labeled during inspection.
MILANO’S PIZZA
7509 PURFOY RD, FUQUAY-VARINA/NC/27526
Inspection Date: 12/30/2025
Score/Grade: 99 @ A
Comments & Observations
Summary Description: Non-food contact surfaces clean
Item No: 49
Points Subtracted: 0.50
Comments:
4-601.11(B) and (C); Core; Shelving in dry storage with dust buildup. Nonfood-contact surfaces of equipment shall be kept free of a buildup of dust, dirt, food residue and other debris. Clean these areas more frequently. Walk-in cooler vents look much better than previous inspection.
Summary Description: Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Item No: 55
Points Subtracted: 0.50
Comments:
6-501.12; Core; Some cleaning needed on walls behind sink and make line. Physical facilities shall be cleaned as often as necessary to keep them clean.; 6-501.11; Core; Wall damage on ceiling in dining room. Facility is undergoing repairs on side of building, the kitchen and dining room are not being renovated. Physical facilities shall be maintained in good repair. Please repair this ceiling damage.
SOBOL ACAI BOWLS & SMOOTHIES
110 LAKESTONE COMMONS AVE, FUQUAY VARINA/NC/27526
Inspection Date: 12/30/2025
Score/Grade: 100 @ A
Comments & Observations
No violations observed.